The Smithsonian Museum considers opening a London venue

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Last week it was officially announced that The Smithsonian American Art Museum is planning to open its first international exhibition venue in London. The space will be located in a new cultural complex being developed in place of the Olympic park.

Last week it was officially announced that The Smithsonian American Art Museum is planning to open its first international exhibition venue in London. The space will be located in a new cultural complex being developed in place of the Olympic park.

The Smithsonian Museum is one of the biggest museums in the world and is known for its largest and most inclusive collection of American art, from the colonial period to the present time.

Congressman Tom Cole

Artdependence Magazine asked an official reaction from US Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04), who also sits on the Smithsonian InstituteBoard of Regents:“Having received a Ph.D. in British Victorian History, I am thrilled at the prospect of a British-American connection in London through the Smithsonian Institution. Considering that the Institution was established by the British-born James Smithson, I am pleased to see the possibility of his educational and cultural vision truly come full circle.

Concerning the financial part of the deal Tom Cole commented: “I am pleased by the offer for the Smithsonian that has been brought to the table by officials in the United Kingdom. Because the project would be fully self-financed, its establishment only signals bright things for the Institution in the future, including new donors and broadened support. This possible opportunity comes at a particularly important time in Anglo-American relations and reinforces the strong ties that exist between our two countries. In an era of shared challenges to our values and interests abroad, it is refreshing to see the promise of a project that makes our friendship even stronger through our shared history.”

The final decision is now awaited from the Regents’ executive committee.